Commissioner Christopher O. Ward, was joined by Chief Edward J. Welch,
Director of the DEP Police in a promotion ceremony for sixteen DEP Police
officers in recognition of their contribution to the protection of the
New York City Watersheds.

Commissioner Ward said, “Together, the sixteen officers who are
being commended today, represent a century’s worth of experience
within the DEP Police. In addition to their commitment to excellence,
they have helped the force attain the professional recognition it so richly
deserves, and they have helped build lasting relationships with other
law enforcement agencies as well as the communities we serve.”

Chief Welch noted that the DEP Police force has embarked upon an agency-wide
reorganization and expansion. He said “The Environmental Enforcement
Unit, which has been responsible for preventing pollution in the upstate
region has been expanded into the Environmental Enforcement Division (EED).
Currently, The EED contains 160 officers. By July 2003, another 40 trained
officers will be assigned to the Division. An Environmental Police Academy,
the first of its kind in the nation, has been established. Graduates of
the Academy will be trained in advanced police tactics and armed with
state-of-the-art equipment to enable them to prevent and contain criminal
and environmentally destructive activities. In addition,” continued
Chief Welch, “a new canine unit will allow the DEP Police to track
lost persons, detect pollution, and weapons of mass destruction, and a
Special Operations Group will be trained in advanced rescue techniques.”

Commissioner Ward recognized several DEP officers, “for their
long- term commitment and dedication to making the DEP Police force the
impressive organization it has become.”

Captain Mark Benedetto, who has been with the force for twenty-one years,
was promoted to the position of Assistant Chief designated as Chief of
Operations for the DEP Police. Lieutenant Thomas Arnold, having served
17 years in the Croton precinct was named Division Commander of East of
Hudson Operation. Lieutenant William Flynn, who brings 14 years of experience
to his new position, will serve as Croton Precinct Commander. Lieutenants
Arnold and Flynn are charged among their other duties with seeking to
build on DEP’s relationships with towns and villages of Westchester
and Putnam Counties as well as the environmental community. Lieutenant
Flynn was also appointed to a newly created post of Lieutenant Detective
Commander, responsible for a recently formed Detective Division. The Detective
Division will conduct sensitive investigations in areas such as terrorism,
pollution and crime. Lieutenant Brian Handy will lead a Special Projects
Division where he will develop in-service training and rewrite the DEP
Police Patrol guide. Special Projects will also be responsible for developing
an agency-wide Emergency Response Plan. Lieutenant William Beers was also
promoted to the command of the Downsville Precinct within the Delaware
District.

Commissioner Ward also personally commended other officers who received
promotions. They are:

Commissioner Ward concluded, “The men and women commended today
have helped make the DEP Police force a truly self-sufficient agency,
one that performs its duties with professionalism, pride and discipline.
The DEP Police have contributed so much to the protection of New York
City’s watersheds, and with our heightened security concerns will
be even more crucial to protection of the City’s drinking water
supply.”